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Florida Progressive Blogroll

Monday, January 18, 2010

Florida Democrats today called on Congressman Tom Rooney to explain his consistent opposition to Everglades restoration funding in his speech tomorrow to the Everglades Coalition Conference.

"In tomorrow's speech, we hope Congressman Rooney will come clean and tell the Everglades Coalition why he left the Glades high and dry," said Eric Jotkoff, Florida Democratic Party spokesman. "We call on Congressman Rooney to use his speech tomorrow to explain to Everglades supporters why he continues to vote against funding for the restoration of this national treasure. The Everglades needs an advocate in Congress who, unlike Congressman Rooney, will never choose politics over the preservation of this national treasure. The Everglades deserve better and so do the people of the 16th District."

BACKGROUND:

Rooney is scheduled to speak tomorrow to the Everglades Coalition Conference being held this weekend in Palm Beach Gardens.

While in Congress, Rooney consistently voted against critical funding to keep Everglades restoration on track.

o Congressman Rooney voted against the Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriation, 2010 which included over $240 million in funding for Everglades restoration, including the critical modified waters delivery program [Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriation, 2010, Roll Call 475, 6/26/09].

o Had Congressman Rooney gotten his way, $4 million to restore the Indian River Lagoon would not have been available. NOAA will award a $4 million grant for the Indian River Lagoon restoration through the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act [NOAA Press Release, 6/30/09]. Congressman Rooney, however, voted against the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act [Roll Call 70,, 2/13/2009].